As customer expectations evolve, so do the ways we decorate caps. In 2025, we're seeing strong interest in styles that highlight craftsmanship, texture, and personalization. Whether you're a decorator looking to expand your offerings or a distributor helping clients make standout picks, here are five decoration trends to keep on your radar:
Foam Trucker + Heat Transfer
Industry Trend: Lifestyle brands, promotional giveaways, and music merch
Why: Foam-front caps are back with a modern edge. Heat transfers let decorators achieve bold, high-color designs with minimal bulk. This makes OCFOAM a go-to for lightweight comfort and eye-catching appeal.
Featured Style:
OCFOAM: With a seamless front panel and soft mesh back, this retro-inspired shape is ideal for clean, crisp transfers.
Structured Performance + Embroidery & Appliqués
Industry Trends: Sports teams, corporate wellness, and active lifestyle brands
Why: Performance fabrics continue to dominate in both athletic and casual categories. Structured performance caps offer breathable tech materials with clean surfaces that make embroidery and appliqué detailing pop.
Featured Style:
OCP100: Built for movement with moisture-wicking fabric and pro-stitched details.
OC871PF: Lightweight performance with a snapback closure and classic curve.
Heavy Washed Twills + Chenille Patches
Industry Trends: Education, Greek life, boutique retail
Why: Chenille patches are showing up everywhere from spirit wear to vintage fashion. Pairing these bold, tactile patches with heavy-washed caps creates a nostalgic, broken-in feel that decorators and customers alike are leaning into.
Featured Style:
PNY-100M: Unstructured and pigment-dyed with a relaxed shape.
FWT-130: A popular go-to for soft-hand feel and garment-washed comfort.
GWT-111: Combines heavy wash with a tuck-away backstrap for easy-going everyday style.
Structured Twill + Leather Patches
Industry Trends: Craft breweries, real estate, small-batch retail
Why: Leather remains a high-perceived value add. Genuine leather patches deliver a premium, rugged aesthetic—especially when paired with structured twill or heathered fabric.
Featured Style:
OC771: Classic trucker with a structured front and popular mid-profile fit.
FLX672M: Combines structure and Flexfit® comfort in a sleek silhouette.
OC571: Heathered twill and structured crown offer the perfect canvas for detailed leatherwork.
Knit Caps + Embroidery
Industry Trends: Outdoor recreation, winter retail, tech companies
Why: Custom knits continue to be a cold-weather staple. A tight embroidery on a knit cap brings a polished look to a cozy product, perfect for team gifts or seasonal swag.
Featured Style:
OC870 – Clean, cuffed beanie available in a range of retail-friendly colors.
KNF-WILD – Fashion-forward with tonal color blocking.
OC807 – A soft-hand knit with space-dye details and an ultra-modern finish.
